Democracy Not Theocracy
A training on how to recognize and resist authoritarianism and White “Christian” Nationalism
Thursday, February 26, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Authoritarianism and White “Christian” Nationalism are closely linked and it’s up to us to expose that link and counteract it– for the good of our democracy and our faith. Because so-called “Christian” Nationalists and the authoritarian government they support threaten a foundation of our Constitution and our creed: belief in the sacred worth and equality of all people.
That’s why Maine Council of Churches and Multifaith Justice Maine are inviting you to attend this online training led by our national partners at Interfaith Alliance and get equipped to speak and act with the moral clarity this moment demands.
Adam Friedman of Interfaith Alliance who will lead this training says, “Faith communities have superpowers in this moment to make a real difference in unique ways. We will focus on showing what those superpowers are and how to activate them through interfaith nonviolent civil resistance.”
Adam and others from Interfaith Alliance will teach us how to refuse to cede ground to anti-democratic activists who think their “religious freedom” should be a license to hurt others. We’ll learn how to thwart their desire for social control, white supremacist beliefs, gleeful malevolence, and comfort with authoritarian violence.
At the end of the training, you’ll learn about next steps you can take right here in Maine, including a follow-up training that will be offered by Multifaith Justice Maine, a group led by MCC Board member Rev. Dr. Jodi Hayashida.
Because you believe authoritarianism is a spiritual crisis and betrays the divine call to love, justice, and humility, please join us for this important training.
We believe this opportunity is so important that we want to offer it free of charge, and many of you stepped up with end-of-year gifts to help make that possible. Thank you! For those of you who didn’t have the chance to make such a gift in December, we’ll offer an opportunity for you to do so now, when you register for the training.
About Interfaith Alliance
Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the United States working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. They mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. They advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive.
About the trainer, Adam Friedman
Adam Friedman is the campaigns director at Interfaith Alliance, where he leads the anti-authoritarianism and elections work, and manages its federal democracy and voting rights work. Adam’s path into advocacy began in the Reform Jewish Youth Movement and grew through his co-founding of Team ENOUGH, the youth initiative of Brady United, where he also helped launch and lead the Lobbying Collective. Before joining Interfaith Alliance, he organized for political campaigns in Virginia, focusing on grassroots mobilization and civic engagement. He serves the Reform Movement as a member of the Commission on Social Action and holds degrees in political science and philosophy, with a focus on public policy, from The George Washington University. Outside of his work, he enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time in nature with friends.
About Multifaith Justice Maine
Grounded in the recognition that every life is sacred, Multifaith Justice Maine (MJM), a part of Maine People’s Alliance, is a statewide movement that builds power across the lines of diverse spiritual and religious beliefs as they work collectively to create a just and radically loving society. Engaging the practices of advocacy, public witness, political and spiritual education, worship, and community building, MJM clearly identifies the structural and systemic injustices that oppress many and works toward the joyful vision of a beloved community that embraces and supports all.
About Rev. Dr. Jodi Hayashida
Jodi (she/her) organizes people of all faiths to build power. She has been grounding a community of faith in the discipline and practice of radical love for more than two decades. She serves publicly as a clergy voice advocating for justice and supports others in doing the same, working with people to nurture and develop a culture that recognizes hope, grief, joy, and holy rage as equally sacred expressions of love. Jodi grew up outside of Boston, attended seminary in Chicago, and served as the minister of First Universalist in Auburn for many years before accepting the call to serve as Director of Multifaith Justice Maine. Jodi currently serves as the Unitarian Universalist Association appointed representative to the Maine Council of Churches’ Board of Directors and as the Board’s Secretary
